Truck fire on Hume Highway near Denham Court causes major delays in Sydney’s southwest

The cause behind a dramatic truck fire which destroyed multiple new hybrid vehicles and shut down the Hume Hwy near Campbelltown has been revealed, after traffic was plunged into chaos.

Firefighters are battling a truck fire on the Hume Highway near Campbelltown.

The cause of a dramatic truck fire which shut down the Hume Hwy near Campbelltown and destroyed several new vehicles has been determined.

Fire Rescue NSW (FRNSW) received reports of a prime mover transporting cars ablaze around 11.40am on Thursday, with teams battling to extinguish the flames for over an hour.

Northbound lanes on the M5 were shut down during the operation, causing traffic headaches for around 11km from the blaze.

The prime mover’s trailer, which was carrying several new hybrid vehicles, was successfully detached, but the fire managed to destroy five of its cargo.

“The hybrid vehicles containing lithium-ion batteries, added to the complexity to the operation,” a statement from FRNSW said.

“Lithium-ion batteries can ignite with significant force when exposed to fire. Crews removed the vehicles to a safe location, where the batteries will be monitored.”

Firefighters are battling a truck fire on the Hume Highway near Campbelltown, which has caused heavy traffic conditions for commuters. Picture: Facebook

The fire has since been extinguished and the highway has reopened, with fire investigators establishing a mechanical fault in the trailer’s wheels was to blame for the blaze.

Drivers on the Hume Highway from the Narellan Rd, Campbelltown exit to Campbelltown Rd, Denham Court exit experienced heavy traffic conditions as a result of the incident.

Firefighters are battling a truck fire on the Hume Highway near Campbelltown, which has caused heavy traffic conditions for commuters. Picture: Facebook

Drivers witnessed thick plumes of smoke while driving along the highway. Picture: Facebook

Heavy traffic seen on traffic cams as a result of the incident. Picture: Livetraffic

Heavy traffic seen on traffic cams as a result of the incident. Picture: Livetraffic

Many witnessed thick plumes of smoke while driving along the highway, and flames engulfing the truck as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Drivers were warned to expect delays and consider alternative routes while the incident is being resolved.